“I am happy with the house that I have, I can live under this roof, so long as it shelters us from the rain and the sun,” said Si’ufaga Lusia Lui of Salamusu, Aleipata.

“However, I will show you that we need help with a proper toilet.”

“Our family is still living in the olden days where people use pit toilet and I would think that by this time and age we would have a proper toilet, but the sad part is that we cannot afford it.”

“I have one son who lives in town and his four children live here with me.”

“We sell Samoan brooms, some bananas to get cash power and we depend on the rain for water. That is why we cannot afford to build a toilet on our own, it’s simply because it is way out of our budget.”

Si’ufaga told the Village Voice team that she is not ashamed to seek assistance because she knows that their family desperately needs it.

“All my life I lived in Apia and then about 20 years ago, we settled down here in Samusu and we have not had a flush toilet, just the pit toilet.”

“It is quite unhygienic, the odor is quite unpleasant but that is all that I can afford.”

“My son cannot help, he’s putting his other kids into college and paying tuitions. He told me to be patient, once his children complete their degrees, they will find employment and that’s when I will get the help I need.”

“But my grandchildren just started college and one just started at the N.U.S.”

Si’ufaga smiled and said: “I honestly want to sit on my own toilet bowl before I pass onto the next life and that is the wish of an elderly woman.”

She says in terms of food, they can survive with their bananas, breadfruits and tea.

“Please if we can get help with a proper toilet, it will be very much appreciated and I will somehow repay in some form.”

“I can work for whoever that can build my family a toilet, until my debt is paid off,” said Si’ufaga.

Regarding Tropical Cyclone Gita, Si’ufaga said their family was sheltered under their house.

“Sadly, the hurricane damaged all my bananas and taros, so we will have to live through eating rice in the next few months, but we will survive.”

“I’m thankful that we have other options, than no food at all,” said Si’ufaga.

If you are willing to help Si’ufaga you can reach her on mobile phone number 723-6853.